Stroke Awareness Among Working Class Women in Bauchi State: Social Media Influences and Practice Considerations for Social Work
Abstract
Stroke constitutes a serious health issue with a higher chance of resulting in disability or death. However, little is known about the role of social media in influencing stroke awareness among working-class women. Therefore, the study looked at stroke awareness among working-class women in Bauchi state: social media influences and practice considerations for social work. An in-depth interview was used to collect data from 10 working-class women. Three key themes stood out from the data collection guides. Findings reported a prevalence of stroke, mostly caused by hypertension and other risk factors such as age, overthinking, and stress. Findings also showed that social media influences knowledge and perception of stroke by communicating risk factors causing stroke, the management of stroke, and types of strokes. Further findings also revealed risk factors associated with stroke information from social media, which include fake information, information from non-medical practitioners, absence of a diagnosis, and lack of a follow-up plan In conclusion, findings hold implications for social workers to implement targeted community education, broaden digital health literacy that modifies fake information and beliefs and incorporate strategies into practice that not only spread correct stroke-related information but further provide individuals with support to navigate social media content effectively and seek informed diagnosis and follow-up care.
Citation Information
@article{nwekegeraldchigozie2026,
title={Stroke Awareness Among Working Class Women in Bauchi State: Social Media Influences and Practice Considerations for Social Work},
author={Nweke Gerald Chigozie and Emmanuel Salome Chinecherem},
journal={BMC Public Health},
year={2026},
doi={https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-9115451/v1}
}
SinoXiv